by
Stephens Washington BureauThe Courier Your Messenger For The River Valley

11:00 AM, Wednesday, October 17 2012 | 1387 views | 0 | 7 | |

WASHINGTON – Four Republicans seeking to represent Arkansas in Congress widened their fundraising advantage over their opponents during the third quarter, according to campaign finance reports released Monday.

Tom Cotton of Dardanelle has raised nearly $2 million in his first run for Congress – surpassing all other Arkansans in the 2012 cycle, according to his latest Federal Election Commission filing.

Cotton raised $213,237 between July and September to bring his total campaign revenues to $1,963,955. He closed the third quarter with $483,221 after sending a $50,000 check to the National Republican Congressional Committee to help other GOP candidates around the country.

Cotton is running for the 4th District seat now held by Rep. Mike Ross, D-Prescott, who is not running for re-election. The Democratic candidate, state Sen. Gene Jeffress of Louann, reported raising $28,150 during the third quarter. He closed September with $12,301 cash on hand.

Womack raised another $170,000 to bring his total to $796,334. He closed September with $373,488 cash on hand after contributing $138,000 to the NRCC and more than $30,000 to Republican candidates running for the state legislature.

Womack is not facing a Democratic challenger. Two minor party candidates have not filed FEC reports. Griffin raised $213,237 during the quarter bringing his election total to $1,473,327. He closed September with $450,813 cash on hand.

Democrat Herb Rule of Little Rock had not yet filed his third quarter FEC report by late Monday.

Crawford raised $256,420 in the third quarter bringing his campaign total to $1,283,818. He closed September with $602,844 cash on hand after contributing $90,000 to the NRCC and $10,000 to the Romney Victory Fund in Arkansas

Democrat Scott Ellington of Jonesboro had not yet filed his third quarter FEC report by late Monday.